Mighty Blog

Beyond Basic Boot Camp

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 18:27:28 -0800

“Practice makes perfect” is an adage the Mighty Armed Forces take to heart. This months training exercises include a few updates in the way troops do business on the special ops side of things. Using a host of complex systems that provide synchronized information on the location of friendly and hostile forces, GPS (Global Positioning Systems) have become such an integral part of troop movement, that todays soldier requires new hi-tech training on how best to map out their individual missions, gather battlefield bearings and quickly rendezvous with other unit forces.

After passing his physical fitness test as well as the pool portion, Capt. Perry our resident diving expert is excited at the chance to practice his new skills in the field. “I received a packing list, but not much else” said the Captain “I’m not sure what’s in store during this training exercise but the next 3 weeks should be some serious fun”

As military professionals, both Capt. Perry and Major Mac know that learning new operations and tactics help make them better at their jobs. Whether aiding foreign internal defenses or conducting special reconnaissance, the successful completion of the missions these men are asked to carry out start with expert training. Hooah!!

Sleeping Under the Stars

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:11:17 -0800

As the purple and rose-colored clouds fade into twilight, fireflies blink lazily from the dark shadows of the shore weeds to a chorus of crickets. This is most certainly Ken’s favorite part of the evening and his favorite part of camping. Peeking through his telescope across the night sky the conditions are perfect for vivid star and moon gazing.

(Listen to the sounds of Tree Crickets)

With the darkness of night falling as quickly as with the temperature, our adventurers Ken and Neil cozy up to their roaring campfire and warm sleeping bags - each of them ready for some well deserved slumber. And as day breaks, they each step outside into the brisk morning air, the birds announcing the arrival of the sun.

Ken likes his favorite hot meal of “backcountry beans” a little hotter than most. That’s why he always adds a little Tabasco sauce to the recipe. With their bellies full of tasty grub and a good night of rest behind them, it’s time to break camp and pack up the gear.

It is just plain fun to carve a small niche in the wilderness and make it your own for short while, and it’s important to also leave your campsite as clean and tidy as you found it. As Neil likes to state it simply “leave no trace” Ken sweeps the tent floor clean and empties the cooler. Neil douses the fire and rolls up the sleeping bags. Before you know it all the camping gear is stowed away and water bottles are topped off for the days journey. Everything is ready to move onto the next adventure.

Furball Science Experiment

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 19:41:43 -0800

Breaking Mighty World News - Hazmat crews were called to the chemistry labs at Mighty High School early Thursday evening after hazardous gases were reportedly leaking from classroom doors. “I noticed green smoke seeping through the door cracks and immediately called the Fire Dept” said Darryl the Janitor “Luckily this all took place after school so no students or faculty needed to be evacuated” After a thorough investigation, it was determined that a family of mischievous raccoons had climbed into the laboratory by way of air conditioning ducts and began tipping over beakers and opening cabinets in a search for food. One of those glass jars contained potassium chlorate oxidizer – a catalyst in the reaction. Three of the raccoons where found dazed and confused at the scene and were taken away to the local veterinarian hospital, where they are expected to make a full recovery. Crews responded to the scene with extinguishing equipment on standby just in case. After investigating the substance, Capt. Flint of the Mighty Town Fire Dept. deemed it “not dangerous”; however the entire campus was inspected by a Hazmat team to ensure that other chemicals were not improperly stored.
That's the news folks, we'll report back with any further developments at the scene and bring you continued coverage from the animal hospital with health updates on those pesky critters.

Not your average deep dish

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 19:44:56 -0800

By Ben the Flagman – Dig this everybody, at lunchtime today I took delivery of more than just my usual deep dish pizza – that’s right folks, today I took delivery on an item I ordered up over 3 weeks ago (not 30 minutes ago), my fully loaded super-sweet Skid Steer!! Yippeeeee!! It’s so brand new it doesn’t even have a speck of mud on it yet, but I’m sure that will all change soon.
The dealer talked me into most of the options – heavy duty hydraulic arms, reinforced roll cage and of course the extra capacity scoop bucket (with monster teeth). This Skid Steer definitely has rugged written all over it. Whether it’s moving mounds of dirt or leveling out areas for landscaping, this is one tool that will definitely come in handy at the construction site.
After checking all the fluids and giving the engine the once over, I played around a bit with the in-cab fingertip controls. All-in-all very intuitive, I think all that’s left is to let her grip into the earth and say goodbye to the mud free paint job. The least I could do was take some pictures of that glossy orange paint before I went playing in the dirt (ain’t she purdy). Catch you fellas later, my pizzas getting cold.

Besides my two front teeth

Tue, 25 Dec 2007 18:02:53 -0800

And when the red suited one asked, “Dorsey what would you like for Christmas?” I looked him straight in the eye and said in my most earnest voice “Santa …oh Santa, all I really want for Christmas is my VERY OWN PONY!!” At that he raised his white bushy eye brow,” Well-well-well” he retorted, “Have you been a good little girl this year?”
I knew this line of questioning from years past, and I knew what my honest answer would be as I grabbed his furry lapels. “YES, Santa, YES!! And boy oh boy did St. Nick deliver. This Christmas morning I was handed the reins of what is possibly the single greatest present a girl could get; my very own horsey – to brush, to pet, to feed and of course to ride like the wind. I was so excited to saddle up that my sweet Dad hooked up the trailer and we drove straight out to the equestrian field.
I hope Santa Claus found each of your homes this morning, and that you’re as surprised and grateful as I am. Have a holly, jolly Christmas everyone – Happy Holidays to everyone.

Save room for pumpkin pie

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 15:54:52 -0800

By Wendy: Well the big Thanksgiving spread is finally on the table: turkey and seasoned stuffing hot from the oven - creamed onions, buttery mash potatoes, real cranberry sauce that’s never seen the inside of a can - and of course, my husbands famous pumpkin pie. (I know for a fact those ingredients have seen the inside of a can)
It’s quite festive around here. Toby is excited to have aunts and uncles and cousins to play with, and Jay is equally excited to have his new satellite dish hooked up before the big game. It seems to have the makings of a wonderful holiday, and I can’t wait until everyone is here under one roof.
How often we forget to gratefully acknowledge all that we have including those precious moments we share as a family.
From Mighty World, to your world, Happy Thanksgiving.

Roaring Towards Race-Day

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 20:10:21 -0800

By Jeff the Mechanic: This upcoming Thursday marks the next big Race Day for Ronnie the Kart Champ and his rocketing red machine. So it’s up to Mike the Wrench and myself to set up Ronnie’s kart for a grueling 500 laps of blistering speed and endurance. The Mighty Speedway is one of the more unique tracks on the kart series, a track that seems to devour fresh tires and rock even the most rugged suspension systems. With just a few more minor adjustments we should have Ronnie’s kart dialed in and ready to race.
On the way into the shop today I passed by a cheering couple parked along the infield. They described themselves as die-hard fans of Mighty World racing, and what made me smile the most was that they had put up a large banner for Ronnie on the front of their RV. When I asked them why they enjoyed the races so much, they both answered simply, "the speed."

Halloween Safety Tips

Sun, 16 Sep 2007 19:00:51 -0800

By Dean the Patrol Officer: Halloween should be filled with amusement and delight, and following a few common sense practices can keep trick or treating safer and even more fun. Mighty World’s Dean the Highway Patrol Officer offers these tips: • Stay in familiar neighborhoods. • Plan a route with your family and if possible, have an adult go with you. • Only go up to houses with lights on. • Bring a flashlight to light your way. • Stay on sidewalks and look both ways before you cross the street. • Wear light-colored or reflective-type clothing so you are more visible. • Try to use face paint instead of a mask when creating your costume. • Never go into a stranger's house to collect your “treat.” • Bring your candy home so mom or dad can make sure it’s okay to eat and do not eat candy if the package is already opened.

Fire Safety Tips for Kids

Sun, 16 Sep 2007 18:54:50 -0800

By Diego the Firefighter: With National Fire Prevention Week fast approaching – this year it takes place October 7-13, 2007 – now is an ideal time to talk to kids about how to avoid causing fires, as well as how to keep safe should a fire occur. Mighty World Firefighter Diego offers these tips:

1. Never touch matches, candles or lighters. Make sure you tell an adult immediately if you see matches or a lighter in a room. 2. Don’t cook alone. 3. Remind your parents to turn pot handles toward the center of the stove. 4. Never stick anything in an electric socket. 5. Never hang anything on a lamp, heater, or radiator. 6. Always let an adult know if there is any kind of smoke or fire in your house. 7. If there is a fire, get out fast. 8. Once you are out of the house, call 9-1-1 immediately. 9. In case of fire, develop an escape plan with your parents. Plan for two possible escape routes out of your house. Practice your escape plan with your parents several times a year. 10. Stay low to the floor when escaping a fire, as smoke rises and makes it difficult to see. Kids, once you're familiar with these safety tips, head on over and visit Sparky the Fire Dog and have even more fun and games while you learn about fire prevention and safety.

Hold your horses folks

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 15:56:13 -0800

By Ms. Susan: We’d like to give special thanks out to our Parade Marshals, Balloon Handlers and the host of volunteers that helped make last Saturday such a wonderful Parade Day. We’d also like to thank the Mighty World Police Dept. for their professionalism in maintaining the curb line and ensuring safety for our spectators. Remember tickets will soon be available for this years Thanksgiving and Christmas Parades – so check back soon.

Off-Road Toys

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 13:28:45 -0800

By Danny the ATV Champ - Patrick is one of my heroes of the modern mighty world. He’s one of those busy bee types who works all week long and still finds time to play hard when Saturday rolls around. Patrick and I are weekend warriors, of course, and what kind of warriors would we be if we let the second half of summer roll over us without hitching up the ATV trailer and heading out into the hills for some fun and recreation.

When I first saw Patricks shiny new Off-Road Truck my immediate response was: “I want to drive this rig, and get some mud on it!” Even the cab has that “new car smell” and if I know Patrick he’s going to baby it for a few more months (until it gets some scratches) and then we can start having some real fun. I think we can all agree that this is one great looking truck, and I can’t think of a better vehicle to trailer my ATV.

Last weekend we had to climb some steep mountain trails and rocky roads to get to our destination and by the time we got to the site we were pretty thirsty from all the swirling dust in the air. Patrick helped me unloaded the ice chest and coolers from the back of the pick-up and we were soon enjoying a peaceful picnic away from civilization, a relaxing change to say the least. We had such a great time last weekend that we’re planning to go again this weekend, so if you see either Patrick or myself, come over and say hi – we’ve got plenty of cold soda pop to share and we’d love to see you out there – Happy Trails :)

Flippers and Photos

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 19:30:57 -0800

By Sean the Boat Pilot: Plunging into the deep blue sea, Megan certainly has “gotten her feet wet” with her newest research effort – to study the feeding habits of bottle-nosed dolphins near the Mighty Barrier Reef.

As most dolphins live in warm shallow waters, the vitality of this beautiful coral reef is integral to the local marine environment and helps sustain some of the dolphins favorite foods: mackerel, sardines and squid. “By taking underwater photos I can help measure the health of coral reefs” says Megan who has been studying dolphin habitat and dolphin behavior for over 5 years.

“Dolphins love to talk to each other using a variety of clicks and whistles” says Megan who observed lots of fun chatter today by a very playful mother and her baby dolphin. “They were quite lively today, jumping and splashing in the bow wave of our boat.” she said, “and I think playfulness is a good sign of health.”

Listen here to the sound of dolphins:

Grab on to the lifesaver

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 17:19:08 -0800

By Karen the Paramedic : Miles of tropical beaches and scores of beautiful lakes lure tourists and townsfolk alike to the shores of Mighty World to enjoy water sports of all types-kayaking, sailing, swimming, surfing, diving, and snorkeling. In order to keep people safe in the water, Scott the rescue diver and his boat pilot Sean are conducting training exercises this month in anticipation of the busy summer season.
In a simulated sea recovery drill, both Scott and Sean will have to calculate the drift of troubled swimmers from the point they entered the water by measuring the strength and direction of the current. “We’re the boater's and swimmers safety net while on the water” says Scott who has a self-confessed "passion for helping people." Keeping up with their training ensures safer waterways should a real rescue effort occur.

Friction, what a drag

Thu, 22 Feb 2007 16:50:39 -0800

Adventure Log – by Tom the Adventurer I was hoping that my beefy “Rut Buster” tires would keep me gliding along the muddy adventure trails, but I guess some mud holes have other plans. Slippin’ and sliding I could feel my ATV sinking lower into the soft terrain as my wheels began gripping in and spinning up a rooster tail of loose dirt. Soon it became official . . . I was stuck.
Here is where riding with a buddy can be a real life saver. I kindly asked Ken to jump on the horn and see if he couldn’t get our fellow adventurer Megan on the walkie-talkie and drum up some help, and as luck would have it she was nearby gathering plant samples.
Like a magical genie she hopped out of the cab with her flashing camera and said with a big smile “Here I am! What are your other two wishes?” as she clicked away pictures of me covered in mud. “I was hoping to get out of there today” I said gunning the throttle to show her how stuck I was.
After doing some mechanical work to get the winch motor in shape, Ken and I secured it once again to the truck and hooked up the cable to the ATV. “Why don’t we switch places” said Megan as she hopped on the ATV and dropped it down into first gear. Ken grabbed a shovel out of the back of the truck and started to dig around the tires. FINALLY we started to get some traction and the once stuck ATV crawled it’s way out of the mud and back to camp.

Pitter-Pat on my Hard Hat

Wed, 31 Jan 2007 17:34:38 -0800

By Jessie the Trencher - As had been forecast, Lewis and our entire crew worked feverously against the weather this Wednesday, as the once blue skies quickly became enveloped with dark thunderous clouds. Charlie and Jimmy pitched in to quickly cover up the wood piles with giant plastic tarps in order to keep the lumber dry as raindrops fell steadily making a pitter-pat sound on my hard hat.
For two days and two nights the sky opened up - not just a gentle drizzle mind you, but a heavy downpour that made the ground too soft and muddy to pour concrete, but sure will make it EASIER TO DIG TRENCHES, YIPPEE!!
After playing countless cards games and board games, Mother Nature granted a reprieve with a full day of sunshine – enough for the ground to firm up a bit and the Mighty Construction Crew was able to go back to work.
We hopped in the Mighty Construction Truck and shuttled to the job site, planning to pump out the footing and start the drying out process. Suddenly, Jimmy, one of our crew, pulled up to the job site in his own vehicle. He got out of his truck, wearing a wet suit equipped with fins, snorkel and mask. The crew burst out laughing, but that didn't bother Jimmy. “This time I came prepared” Jimmy mumbled through his mask. He was determined to replace misfortune with opportunity. He turned a dismal day into a fun time.
As he snorkeled around the footing, I was reminded of just how important it is to have the right attitude, that there can be fun in getting it done even as you dive through puddles.